NZ Local Elections 2025

Whakatāne District Council

Whakatāne-Ōhope General Ward
The Whakatāne District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of ten councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). four councillors will be elected from the Whakatāne-Ōhope ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Whakatāne District Council election.

Candidates

Policies

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Lesley Immink

Lesley Immink

Julie Claire Jukes

Julie Claire Jukes

Chris Barnard

Chris Barnard

Independent

Dave Stewart

Dave Stewart

Malcolm Whitaker

Malcolm Whitaker

Brendan Horan

Brendan Horan

Independent

Carolyn Louise Hamill

Carolyn Louise Hamill

Brendan Horan

Independent

Brendan Horan

Independent

Why I'm standing

I'm running for election because having travelled the world, I've found nowhere better than my hometown–Whakatane. I bring the skills, knowledge and experience needed to help make Whakatane the best place to live in the world. I want to ensure we have the cleanest water, promote healthy lifestyles, and create jobs for our young people and existing workforce. Together we can build a vibrant thriving community where everyone can flourish.

About me

I will make a good elected representative because I listen carefully, act with integrity and put the community's needs first. My diverse skills and experience enable me to understand complex issues and find practical solutions. I am committed to transparent, inclusive decision-making and advocating strongly for Whakatane's future. I believe in building partnerships, fostering innovation and working hard to create a safer, healthier and more prosperous community for all.

My priorities
  1. Ensure rates remain fair and affordable by controlling costs and finding new revenue streams.
  2. Champion free pool entry for local school children for safety, health and civic pride.
  3. Re-establish real-time White Island monitoring to protect the community from sudden volcanic risks.
Residence

Papamoa

Age

64

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Why I'm standing

I'm running for election because having travelled the world, I've found nowhere better than my hometown–Whakatane. I bring the skills, knowledge and experience needed to help make Whakatane the best place to live in the world. I want to ensure we have the cleanest water, promote healthy lifestyles, and create jobs for our young people and existing workforce. Together we can build a vibrant thriving community where everyone can flourish.

About me

I will make a good elected representative because I listen carefully, act with integrity and put the community's needs first. My diverse skills and experience enable me to understand complex issues and find practical solutions. I am committed to transparent, inclusive decision-making and advocating strongly for Whakatane's future. I believe in building partnerships, fostering innovation and working hard to create a safer, healthier and more prosperous community for all.

My priorities
  1. Ensure rates remain fair and affordable by controlling costs and finding new revenue streams.
  2. Champion free pool entry for local school children for safety, health and civic pride.
  3. Re-establish real-time White Island monitoring to protect the community from sudden volcanic risks.
Residence

Papamoa

Age

64

Connect via

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